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MIRPUR: New British immigration laws have unleashed a stampede to wed and a frenzy of English lessons for Pakistanis desperate to migrate as new restrictions come into effect.

The boom was particularly marked in Mirpur, where Islamabad estimates 200,000 of Britain's 1.2 million Pakistanis have their family origins.

Almost all the town's 403,000 residents have relatives in the former colonial power, after a huge surge of migration from the area in the 1960s when a major dam was built, costing thousands of farmers their livelihoods.

At the time Britain needed more workers for its factories in the industrial cities of central and northern England, and granted immigration permits to many of them and their families.

Now with immigration an increasingly controversial issue in Britain, Mirpuris rushed to secure residency rights before the door was pushed tighter.

Wedding planners were rushed off their feet, English teachers overwhelmed and immigration consultants buried under mounds of paperwork as brides and grooms queued to file immigration papers by July 6, the last working day before the deadline.

Faisal Mehmood, a self-styled immigration consultant, said business was several times higher than the six to eight cases he normally processes a week.

“I consulted on and helped fill in immigration papers for 53 couples in the first week of July,” he told AFP in his office in Mirpur, the wealthiest town in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, 83 kilometres east of Islamabad.

From July 9, new restrictions made it impossible for anyone who earns less than GBP 18,600 ($29,000) a year to move a foreign spouse to Britain, or less than GBP 22,400 if that spouse has a child.

To acquire British nationality, foreign spouses now have to wait five rather than two years to test whether a relationship is genuine, must be proficient in English and once in Britain, pass a Life in the UK test.

For Britons of Pakistani descent, April is by tradition the peak month for holidays and weddings in their parents' homeland, before the summer heat becomes unbearable for those accustomed to northern climes.

But wedding planners say they saw record business from Britons in June and the first week of July, with nuptials up 20 per cent in Mirpur so far this year.

Arshad Hussein Shah, the manager of eight marriage halls, said his company organised weddings for 15 Britons from June 1 to July 6.

“There was a sudden surge because the UK government changed the immigration laws for spouses and everybody rushed to marry and file papers before the deadline,” he said.

It was a similar tale for Ali Raza, managing director of the UK College of English Language, who says 35 students enrolled in June—50 per cent more than usual.

“There were more girls than boys. Everybody wanted to complete a quick English course and obtain certificates to file immigration papers,” said Raza.

“Nobody was expecting this sudden implementation of the new laws. It created panic among the candidates,” he added.

Batool Bukhari, 25, married her cousin in April and raced through an English course as quickly as possible.

“I applied for immigration in the second week of June. I had to rush my application when I found out that the new laws are being implemented soon. It was very tense,” said Bukhari.

In Islamabad, the British High Commission said there had been a “significant increase” in the number of applications to join a spouse and live permanently in Britain ahead of the new rules coming into force.

The surge has caused delays in processing applications, the commission said, with some taking up to six months to be resolved.

For those who missed the deadline, the new rules mean new uncertainty.

Naeem Lodhi, 32, who has dreamt of moving to Britain since childhood, married on June 22 but was unable to file the necessary paperwork in time.

“My wife, who came here to marry me, is leaving for the UK in a month. I'm worried about my immigration because her salary is much lower than the amount required,” he said.

Similarly, a hairdresser in London who gave her name only as Irum married her cousin on July 1 after a seven-year engagement, but was depressed about their chances of married life in Britain.

“I don't know when will I be able to live with my husband in the UK,” she said, adding she would have to find a better paid job.

“It may take weeks, months or years. I don't know, I am really not sure about my future.”

Comments (124) Closed

ali raza

Jul 15, 2012 05:24pm

its a good rule because no country want dishonest and corrupt people.

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Faz

Jul 15, 2012 02:57pm

Sam, Sorry to say you are either not that educated in UK Immigration or just trying to sell your goat. UK immigration has now become most difficult to get, after these new rules have been introduced by the conservatives. Go and search. It's Canada and Australia (and US to some extent) who are throwing away their nationality.

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Tariq

Jul 15, 2012 03:33pm

I think the new laws to 'IMPORT' spouses' can only be good thing. The people of Pakistani origin living in the UK should really look amongst their own communities' in the UK for prospective partners as with the passage of time (third/forth generation immigrants) there has developed now a considerable gap between the 'values' of those Pakistanis and the UK citizen of Pakistani origins. More than often the marital unions are breaking down due to the difference in values!

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Rustam

Jul 15, 2012 04:49pm

the worse people in Britain r Mirpuris and Kashmiries. in one news which also published in Dawn news, that a mirpuri made fake documents of her sister as his wife. this was shame for whole pakistani community. when they do wrong thing, they represent pakistan, when it comes to benifit, they talk of kashmir only. this is a real good news that all mirpuris ought to be ban

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peace lover

Jul 15, 2012 02:48pm

no doubt spouses have a fundamental right to unite with their better half but law is broken in two terms, calling your spouse to UK and then nationality. only people on government support and un declared income will be earning less than 18600 pounds as many pakistanis do and how can a country accept someone as a national when one cannot speak its language or some familiarity with its culture... how many pakistanis will accept someone in pakistan who cannot speak any of its language (let alone urdu) and understanding of its cultural senstivities.. New law was long overdue.

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Imran Khan

Jul 15, 2012 09:50am

I believe there should not be any rule becuase when the back packers move from countriles like Australia, USA, France and etc, they were not asked for any of these rules and then they live there, get married etc.
This is the land of Allah SWT and every human has full right to live anywhere. These are the man made rules

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Razzaq

Jul 15, 2012 07:33pm

Well said.

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uthmanmalik

Jul 14, 2012 10:05am

you would be surprised to know that it is same in the land on the East side of the "land of pure".

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PARVEEZ

Jul 14, 2012 03:41pm

Very good rule, at least people will not marry for the wrong reason.
The married couple will have to stay for five years, as before you see people got married , and after two years got the British passport, and left the wife. It was the boys who did that just to get a British passport.

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NADEEM DUBAI, UAE

Jul 14, 2012 10:55am

I fully support the new rules of immigration. Because low paid people cannot afford the expenses of their families.
Without Scientific and technically educated people cannot live a better life. So, I think there is no right to get immigration of any country without geting good and higher education specially in the field of high-Tech subjects.
NADEEM DUBAI, UAE

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raika45

Jul 14, 2012 10:30am

The building of the dam and the subsequent migration in droves,has turned out to be a blessing for these people.Otherwise one wonders what their or their family's fate would have been.No malice intended.

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Socrates

Jul 17, 2012 10:03am

I am of Indian origin (born in the US) and would like to show how Partition adversely affected Pakistan and Bangladesh. Before Partition a Pathan could settle and work any where in India. Same for a Bangladeshi Muslim before Partition. I know there was no Bangladesh before Partition. It was Muslims who wanted Partition. Currently I work for an IT firm and have an assignment in India. My monthly salary is over Rs. 300,000. Had Muslims not forced the breakup of India Pakistanis would have been able to avail themselves of India's job boom. Even Muslims in what is now India worked hard to break up India. Muslims have no one but themselves to blame for their plight.

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Abdul

Jul 15, 2012 09:42pm

I think the rules need to be much stricter. It's only fair that those who want to move to uk should be able to support themselves and not ask for handouts from the government.

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Abhay

Jul 15, 2012 08:25pm

Dear Amir, I am an Indian and I have been living in UK since more than last 7 years. My average income after tax is now 42750 pounds/PA. Still I find that life in UK isnt as good. Apart from that looking at the scenario economic scenario in UK isnt very good as it is moving into recession slowly and their unemployment is all time high. On the other hand I have recently applied for few companies in India and believe it or not , to amusement Indian firm are willing to shell out almost similar salaries. I believe all asian economies are currently doing much better and also think that even Pakistani firms can pay salaries at par with UK. I am infact now in the process to plan about giving up British citizenship and would like to explore about my chances of acquiring Indian citizenship. I am sure many indians and Pakistanis now think what I am going through. Cheers!!

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bkt

Jul 15, 2012 07:43pm

This is the silliest comment here. So many people wanted to migrate to Pakistan but they were not allowed to come here and they are still not allowed to come to Pakistan. Just look at the Pakistanis in what is now Bangladesh who are not allowed to come. If you raised your voice for these people that would make sense, but for Muslims wishing to live in a non-Muslim country?

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Razzaq

Jul 15, 2012 07:39pm

It is like "Aa bail mujhe maar" european people do not publically identify themselves whilst Pakistani people by wearing the islamic attire in public creates unpleasant feelings.

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Devendra

Jul 16, 2012 02:00pm

I was born in India but i wish and pray for nothing but peace and prosperity for Pakistani people.
People basically are good. It is the politicians and the religious bigotts who turn them against each other.

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Ehsan T

Jul 16, 2012 11:38am

this policy was well overdue. admittedly it may not stand the test of a Human Rights court case, however its a step in the right direction. Just for clarification, it is NOT the responsibility of the UK Govt to worry about the spouse of a UK Citizen from day one! Everybody has to contribute to 'UK Ltd' in some form or other, not just be on the take all of the time. At this rate there will be nobody left in Pakistan!

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Muhammad

Jul 18, 2012 01:19pm

Keep on dreaming!

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Guest

Jul 16, 2012 12:24am

Umm. That is exactly why Britain has instituted these rules. It is British land and British laws. Don't want them, don't come.

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Sam

Jul 16, 2012 07:32am

@Devendra Now black have their own rights.Blacks are no longer treated in USA as you mentioned

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hmmm...

Jul 15, 2012 06:24pm

we all move to different places to get a chance to live a better life, just like Indians moving to most rich middle eastern countries.

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Sunil

Jul 14, 2012 09:59am

What an insensitive remark!! It seems you are not aware of Indians immigrating "via hook or crook".

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Sam

Jul 16, 2012 04:32am

People who are backpackers they are normally Australian or European citizens.They dont need any visitor visa as they belong to low risk nationality.Pakistan is a high risk nationality as several of the Pakistanis have already ranaway or vanished in western countries.If this is the land of Allah SWT they why muslim countries like Arab countries and MiddleEast have all have strict visa rules for Pakistan?

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peace lover

Jul 14, 2012 10:38am

i fail to understand when arguments like these why do poeple start comparing India and Pakistan... why cant we stick to the point without start blaming the other country..

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Syed

Jul 15, 2012 07:17pm

Oh my god. Again this 'petty' and useless india/pakistan insults. Guys grow up. I am pakistani and love india and have many many indian friends via the net.

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KGB

Jul 15, 2012 06:56pm

Whoever you are, fill pity for you!

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Syed

Jul 16, 2012 07:25am

Devendara,
You are right. We deserve this.

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Vikas

Jul 15, 2012 03:40pm

May not be "with us" but definitely with you dear...

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Raja Imran

Jul 15, 2012 10:33pm

Every country has its own rules and regulations.govt knows well, what should do at what time.govt. of u.k.or any state one formulates rules consults many a times with consultants and also keeps in mind the repercussions of new laws
I am living in Dubai since long time and bound to follow the laws of this state because i know govt cant make any law which will harm the interest of state and foreigners.So better we accept new change with its effect.British govt has always been welcoming foreigners,how can this govt dis heart its residents?.

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Modi

Jul 15, 2012 10:51pm

It is precisely due to your stated reason,"This is the land of Allah SWT and every human has full right to live anywhere. These are man made rules" that foreign countries donot like to have Pakistanis as immigrants, because Pakistanis are living in a fog of completely misguided religious beliefs and they will destroy the cultures and beliefs of others!

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Gerry D'Cunha - UK

Jul 16, 2012 12:43pm

Saadia, you being a Muslim have opend the eyes of hypocrites Muslims by your comments who criticise the West inspite of giving them so much freedom, their citizenship compared to the Islamic countries who does not allow to hold their citizenship and freedom. Shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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ashfaq hussain

Jul 15, 2012 10:54pm

Gerry, Hi,
You should read sharia law first and understand the difference in comparison to democratic law. Without knowing what the law is about; how do you know it is not better than the democratic laws? I am sure major or some part of sharia law could be more beneficial to the society at large! Why look through the 'lens' of religious bigotry - rather see it from democratic perspective.
Being ignorant about a 'specific law' and then commenting to avoid it could be a grave loss to the good of the people at large. Think about it before u 'blindly' spread hatred for a section of society (Muslims).
UK has evolved as a more tolerant society than a few bunch which is commonly found in any country.
Thank u.

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ashfaq hussain

Jul 15, 2012 11:04pm

Nina, Hi,
It is a pakistani newspaper discussing about their citizens plight. This is not an India-Pakistan match. Anyone can read any countries newspaper and comment.
I am sure there are indian newspapers writing about Indians plight in UK. What you may be trying to say is all 'asians' are affected by the UK immigration policy. You may see similar articles in Indian newspapers discussing this subject and people accross the globe commenting on the article - not because it is about 'pakistanis' but it relates to a subject many in the subcontinent are affected.
Let try to live like European countries with no border restrictions. IT is about time we think of progress for our 'continent' - India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and so forth - where we 'asians' live and love each others culture, music and people.
Thank u

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Ganesh

Jul 16, 2012 01:35am

People go crazy to immigrate to western countries for a better life. They abandon their country of birth and do not tend to be lenient and flexible about their strict religious rules. In one hand they enjoy better lives and in the other they import and impose rigid islamic rules in their adopted countries.These people should go to affluent muslim countries like KSA,UAE and Kuwait etc.

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MIRPURI

Jul 16, 2012 10:54am

PS. CHECK OUT SURINDER SINGH CASE IF YOU WANT TO UTILISE EU ROUTE. ANY GOOD LAWYER WITH GOOD IMMIGRATION BACKGROUND WOULD TELL YOU ABOUT THE EU ROUTE.

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Ijhas Ahmed

Jul 16, 2012 02:05am

Why Muslims clamor to settle down in Christian countries?

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MIRPURI

Jul 16, 2012 10:52am

FOR THOSE THAT ARE INTERESTED IN MARRYING IN THE ASIAN SUBCONTINENT BUT DONT MEET THE INCOME REQUIREMENTS CAN ALWAYS TO RESORT TO MOVING TO ANOTHER EU COUNTRY UNTIL THEIR SPOUSE JOINS THEM AND THEN MOVE BACK TO UK WITH THEIR SPOUSE. IT IS A LONG PROCESS BUT WILL AVOID MANY OF THE NEW RULES BEING ENFORCED.
THIS NEW RULE WILL CERTAINLY BE CHALLENEGED IN THE HUMAN RIGHTS COURTS. THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT DICTATE WHOM YOU MARRY AND WHERE BASED ON YOUR INCOME.

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harvey

Jul 16, 2012 02:47am

u daid it perfectly, go where u fit in.

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harvey

Jul 16, 2012 02:52am

most like to dwell on welfare, pay no taxes at all.

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ishaq

Jul 16, 2012 10:49am

its a secular country

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harvey

Jul 16, 2012 02:56am

ofcourse every human has the right to live anywhere but only in his own country. if u don;t like live the way other people live don;t go there

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Dawood Murtaza

Jul 16, 2012 04:16am

Please leave the poor soul alone, this could be typo mistake. Give him benefit of doubt

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Imran

Jul 17, 2012 02:19pm

You mean non-muslims are not allowed to enter Muslim countries or immigration rules are tough for them?? Which world are u living in, dude?

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Rahul

Jul 17, 2012 10:22am

Come on Javed, u know, i know and the world know that the RICH gulf has the TRUE Arabs, not like u guys.

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BEA

Jul 18, 2012 04:38pm

Why do people think that the UK is paved with gold it is not you have to first find a job which is very difficult as we are in a recession even UK born and educated people cannot find jobs at present what chance does a person from Pakistan have when they do not spaek the launguage, they will have to earn at least £25.000- £40.000 a year to pay for a morgage, council tax bills lest not forget the sky high Tax and NI contributions at the end of the month you have nothing left so why would any sane person want to come and live here, if people think by coming here now they can claim benifits even they are being stopped weather is rubbish at present its our summer we have had floods for the past few months. The grass is not always greener on the other side so think again if you think its easy to live here.

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:48pm

Its only because GBP (Sterling Pound) have very high exchange rate than Pakistan or Indian currencies.

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BEA

Jul 18, 2012 04:40pm

well said

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:43pm

We dont care about any job boom of India.Pakistan have lots of high paying jobs as well. Rs. 300,000 are just peanuts if you are working in UK/EU.Rs. 300,000 can be made within 5-10 days in UK therefore India still have low salary structure and low paid job culture.

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Fazal Hadi

Jul 16, 2012 09:18am

I am a 76 years old Brit of Pakistani Origin and arrived here as a 16 years old in 1952 . Since then with a few years absence have stayed here, I have been married for 40 years to an Irish person and as such I am konwlegable on both sides of equation. Most Pakistanis are relegious and this generaly is not compatable with the British way of life.My point is quite simple, What do you love more, Your religion or the money? Stop tryin to pull all kind of strings to get here

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Gerry D'Cunha - UK

Jul 15, 2012 09:03am

In my opinion, the British Government should have imposed this present law much earlier and my reason to this is that Pakistani Muslims are trying to impose their own shariat law and no go area in some part of Britain. UK Government should in future impose more stricter immigration rules.

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Lodhi

Jul 16, 2012 05:02am

exactly, i am really surprised at how indians are ever so ready to chip in with a cheap comment about Pakistan or Pakistanis, its as if they are actively searching for online space to spew their venom. intrinsic hatred towards a race or a people reflects the shallowness of your character

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Vikas

Jul 15, 2012 03:45pm

When you guys discriminate against non-muslim, then that is fair. Why you guys want to go where you are not invited. Please go to your ancestoral land..Saudi, Mongolia, Turkey etc...

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Gerry D'Cunha - UK

Jul 15, 2012 12:52pm

I wish the British Government impose more stronger rules for wrong people to enter UK only to get British passport and ruin the life of the innocent girl they marry.

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Vikas

Jul 15, 2012 03:41pm

Is that the reason you guys are called Paki in England?

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Vikas

Jul 15, 2012 03:42pm

Oh Dear...If something would have been happening, then it would have been reported over here. I am trying not to deviate from the topic. :-)

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Vikas

Jul 16, 2012 05:08am

Dear Ashfaq,
Let me tell you that we don't want to have similar borderless in Indian subcontinent. You guys will start coming to India in flocks and marry over here. Then again one day you will ask for separate homeland for Muslims, because you guys don't know how to work hard and be capitalist.

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Vijay K

Jul 15, 2012 06:58pm

UK is better? Last I went there, it was fast catching up with the 3rd world. Mirpuris will long to get back to Mirpur. Don't give up your Pakistani passports in a hurry folks. You'll bless me for this advice.

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Tariq

Jul 15, 2012 06:07pm

I think the new laws to 'IMPORT' spouses' can only be good thing. The people of Pakistani origin living in the UK should really look amongst their own communities' in the UK for prospective partners as with the passage of time (third/forth generation immigrants) there has developed now a considerable gap between the 'values' of those Pakistanis and the UK citizen of Pakistani origins. More than often the marital unions are breaking down due to the difference in values!

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Sanj

Jul 15, 2012 06:09pm

almost same in canada

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Igloo

Jul 15, 2012 05:53pm

What a strange thing to say - 'by all accounts'!!! By 1.2 million accounts it seems the Pakistanis love western culture enough to move there and settle. You are perhaps mistaking their desire to retain aspects of their identity with some kind of blanket hatred of all things 'western'.

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Saadia

Jul 15, 2012 05:39pm

@ yes this is a land of Allah SWT but being muslim can we immigrate to Saudi Arabia and get citizenship and can we treated as respectful forget citizen but as human being? This is a sad reality that where Allah has his house there we cannot immigrate and get citizenship and then we blame West being bad to us.

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musstanser

Jul 16, 2012 09:30am

Hi Kavi, how in the world can you put such a claim? There are many of us working, living, doing research all across the globe. Why should religion bound you on where to live? Its all about co-existence. Peace, always.

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Gerry D'Cunha - UK

Jul 16, 2012 08:09am

Ashfaq, Hi
Don't forget UK is a Christian country - shariat law may be good for Muslims in Muslim country. Impose it in Pakistan first and see the result.

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umer

Jul 15, 2012 11:26am

I totally agree. I have to Mirpur twice on audits, met the people (educated ones, bankers etc). No wonder the ones abroad are better off.

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observer

Jul 15, 2012 11:25am

Sounds unfair........surely is against some Human Rights rule.....a clever lawyer will no doubt find a loophole. A British subject is free to marry anyone in their land but can't bring their loved one fro abroad.

i see nothing wrong with people migrating.everyone wants to live in a better place then where they are now.
good luck.

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A British Pakistani

Jul 14, 2012 09:41am

I favor the new rules, because if you are earning less than £18,600 it's almost impossible to support your spouse in the UK.
I am going to apply for my spouse later in July, but am not in rush et al. Although 5 years time is too long for permanent settlement and the law is implemented without proper consultation with the stake holders

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Luqman

Jul 14, 2012 06:54pm

I think panic does not help.
I can't image there is no way of immigration visa based on family grounds for people with low income. They should consult a good consultant or better the respective office in city hall.
In most other European countries, there is a possibility of depositing 2500,- Euros on a pledge account if you like to invite someone and do not earn enough.

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Jack77

Jul 16, 2012 07:51am

exclude Australia. I am living here and can tell you that they are not throwing their nationality.

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Jack77

Jul 16, 2012 07:52am

I am a Muslim and it is a million dollar question with all vague but no clear answers.

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G.a

Jul 14, 2012 08:33pm

How is it good for Pakistan's image? Most Pakistanis don't bother changing for the better when in the West.

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Amn

Jul 16, 2012 07:55am

I have experienced of both Saudia and West. Their treatment is same with the exception that Saudis are straught forward and show what they feel , while the West show it from under cover.

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Nina

Jul 14, 2012 10:05pm

The entire article doesn't mention the word India even once. But that doesn't stop these Indians from sneaking in with their snide comments. You guys really are obsessed with us.

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Muhammad Raja

Jul 14, 2012 11:20pm

well I am sure he is not surprised as he is also one of the migrating crooks :) ... Pakistan & India have same problems so why we always try to prove one is better than the other

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Bystander

Jul 14, 2012 11:40pm

My friend you should be thankful that somebody gave you Dubai visa. We are talking about spouses of 'British Citizens', which should be the responsibility of the British government. You cannot migrate to Dubai, however, I would like to know how would you feel if the spouses of the scores of you there in UAE are denied visa for not earning enough or not being able to speak Arabic. British champion 'human rights', and this is what they come up with. It is the responsibility of the state (in this case British government) to educate its people and them employable.

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salman warraich

Jul 16, 2012 09:34am

yes,thats perfectly true,money is not every thing...i have seen many people who wants to get rid of this western culture,but they can,t...........look the food here is such that you loss the the very concept of feelings.....which is the most valuable assert in my view........disobedience of parents, and the rate of unsuccessful marriages are alarming,yes that's right,v have certain benefits too,but they can,t overlap the loses that v will come across in future....for our kids.....a pakistani abroad..

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Musstanser

Jul 16, 2012 09:35am

All, I am happy to see people reading dawn from across the border! Thank you dawn.
We need to learn to co-exist. Live and let live.
Cheers.

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Syed

Jul 15, 2012 05:04pm

I agree too. However most mirpuri's generation still carry the same mentality. Once you deal with you can
easily guess their background. I believe they should have educated their kids more and should have introduced their kids to more modern places like Karachi and Lahore.

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Aamir Farooq

Jul 15, 2012 01:42am

You guys are taking it into an entirely opposite directions. This new change is unfair. The real problem caused is by immigrants from Eastern and other parts of Europe like Lithuania, Bulgaria, Poland, Romania etc. Every month an average of 31000 immigrants from these countires immigrate to UK and are eligible for government benefits after 6 months. Non EU people like us Pakistanis and Indians have to keep on paying taxes without any recourse to public funding until ILR (Indefinate leave to remain). My point is, why did the British parliament not address this main issue which it admits was the greatest immigration mistake and why it chose to make things hard for us?? Are these EU nationals paying more taxes then us?
I live in London and the situation is unimaginable. Its nothing less then discrimination.

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Sam

Jul 15, 2012 01:43am

UK still have lot of back door immigration policies such as Charity Worker Visa, TierTwo,Assylum and Student Visa etc.UK passport is still easiest one to obtain as there is no 5 years residency requirement (for citizenship) after ILR (settlement).One somebody have got TierTwo or TierOne or Student Visa he is gurrantteed to obtain UK passport within few years.

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Sam

Jul 16, 2012 07:39am

Well UK immigration is totally based on showing money,tax paid and salary.If you show GBP900 per person you can easily renew TierTwo,student or TierOne visas very easily.Rich gets benefit of this rule very very easily.GBP900 or GBP5000 bank statement is peanut for any Pakistani landlord or rich.Assylum in UK is the easiest to obtain.Canada is indeed throwing away its nationality to students,fathers and grand fathers,After Canada its Australia/NewZealand.H1B is the only way to enter US but one cannot apply for nationality unless he is EB1 (which is noble prize holder).

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Zeeshan

Jul 15, 2012 06:00am

"So, I think there is no right to get immigration of any country without geting good and higher education specially in the field of high-Tech subjects"
your grammar doesn't seem to have stopped you from getting a permit to another country.

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Bharat

Jul 15, 2012 06:08am

You need to be reminded how many Bharats are living illegally in USA, and all of them will prefer to commit suicide than go back to shining Bharat.

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kavithait

Jul 15, 2012 07:03am

The issue here is hypocrisy. Pakistanis by all accounts hate western culture and countries but love to move there!. Why not move to Islamic countries where your religion is practiced?

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Gerry D'Cunha - UK

Jul 16, 2012 10:38am

Hi Vikas
I like your comments to Ashfaq - very much true. This is what some Pakistani muslims in some part of UK are thinking to impose their shariat law. Why do the Muslims don't migrate to their Muslim countries, practice their shariat law and live among their muslims brothers & sisters.

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Devendra

Jul 16, 2012 05:35am

Vikas,
A large majority of Paksitanis are Indians through marriage and amalgamation over centuries. They have nothing in common culturally or through physical amalgamation.

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Ejaz

Jul 16, 2012 05:37am

For all those who oppose new immi laws; would you allow beggers to stay with you at home? shushh!

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Devendra

Jul 16, 2012 05:43am

Saadia,
I used to visit Saudi Arabia on the Saudi Air Force's invitation and let me tell you the Saudis treated the Pakistanis just the same way as the white American treated a black person in Mississippi in the seventies.
Saudis want Pakistanis to clean their mess and do the menial jobs but no permanent residency; forget the citizenship. That is why the Pakistanis opt more to go to the West where they are treated far better by the Christian West than their own brothers of the Muslim Ummah.

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Devendra

Jul 16, 2012 05:55am

A host country has an absolute moral and legal right to set it's immigration rules. Just like Pakistan has.
If a host country determines that a particular type of immigrant does not benefit it, does not add to it's culture, may impact it's security adversely or impede it's economic enhancement then why should it allow that immigrant.
Immigration is a privilege which must be earned. It is not a right.
And, Pakistanis, unfortunately, have not endeared themselves to the Brits by their conduct so far to a large extent. Hence, the regulations.

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Ahsan

Jul 16, 2012 06:29am

Sadly, similar things has happened on a number of ocasions.

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Punjabi Jatt

Jul 16, 2012 06:32am

What i cannot figure out is why cant we make Pakistan and India a much more livable place so that we do not need to migrate to the west in droves.

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Saadia

Jul 16, 2012 06:35am

@Vikas: Dude for your kind information any desi regardless of Pakistani, Indian or Bangladeshi are called Paki in UK. Ask the English people if you have been to UK or met any of them, they will tell you that it has nothing to do with Pakistan, its just all South Asians are same in their acts or deeds....so all are called Paki.

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Malik

Jul 16, 2012 08:48am

Mr Hussain
I absolutely agree with Gerry. The argument isn't whether sharia law is good or bad. Immigrants have no right to try and impose their beliefs on native population. Would Saudi Arabia allow europeans to wear short skirts? When you move to a country for economic or security reasons you abide by the countrys laws and learn to tolerate other cultures instead of trying to impose your own.
British Pakistani

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:40pm

UK have too many back doors for ILR so everybody must relax.

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:38pm

I live in UK and I can confirm that UK is still throwing away their nationality.EU citizens are completely free to take over UK passport anytime.Charity worker visa,Assylum,TierTwo,TierOne,Student Visas all are still easiest to obtain.All these visas are easily convertable into ILR/UK passport. Just show some money as maintenance funds and time spent inside UK to authorities and UK citizenship is yours.Perhaps Canada and UK are completely same when it comes to throwing away welfare and their nationality

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Bri Citizen Hongkong

Jul 16, 2012 04:30pm

Everyone knows people are making less money in UK, Currently there are no jobs for youths in UK, Most of them are getting funds from government and also working on side without telling the government. The new rules is somehow good. I am also british citizen, but i hate t live in UK, I am currently in Hong kong the city of life. So boring to live in UK, No job, no sunshine, no social life, no SAFETY, No respect, etc. If you have make money then ove to your currently or goto another places.

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 01:00pm

Saudis dont give their passport while UK throws away their passport.Pakistani Doctors makes lot of money in UK.UK Welfare benefits are still exceptional.NHS is completely free.GBP (Sterling Pound) have very high exchange rate.

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ktd

Jul 16, 2012 05:47pm

Very True........

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Imran

Jul 17, 2012 02:31pm

True observation :)

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:50pm

UK immigration laws are very very weak to stop EU or Indians or Pakistani.GBP (Sterling Pound) have very high exchange rate than Pakistan or Indian currencies.With weak laws and higher currency exchange rate UK have failed to protect their borders.

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:45pm

GBP still have very strong exchange rate

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 01:13pm

UK immigration laws are still very weak.UK citizens can bring their spouse through EU route as well where there is no requirement to show at least £18,600.Once anybody have got TierOne,HSMP,TierTwo,Charity worker visa,Assylum or Student Visa anybody can very easily get ILR and UK passport.GBP exchange rate is very high but laws are very weak.For UK immigration maintenance funds and time spent in UK are the two most easiest and weak requirements.

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:58pm

Dear Aamir, Why dont you move to other beautiful UK cities like Wales, Cambridge etc.Just leave London and there are plenty of savings,castles,welfare and freedom in other parts of UK.

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Sam

Jul 17, 2012 12:55pm

Pakistani Doctors makes lot of money in UK.UK Welfare benefits are still exceptional.NHS is completely free.GBP (Sterling Pound) have very high exchange rate.UK passport is still easiest to obtain after TierTwo /TierOne or student visa.EU borders and options are open.In India and Pakistan you will probably end up earning Rs.200,000 per annum. Salaries,welfare and exchange rate of UK are still very very high.

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Raja Imran

Jul 17, 2012 11:56am

I am reading views of my friends on immigration laws.i am living in U.A.E every year news laws are made or amended for foreigners.people accept them happily because they are not forced to come in U.A.E.Same like in U.k.We have to accept the new laws because"Beggars are not chooser "Any advanced country like UK cant go against the larger interest of native people .Immigrants are always immigrants they cant get status and respect which they have in their own homeland

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Syed

Jul 17, 2012 03:48pm

I want to move next door to Gerry D'Cunha - UK and annoy him like crazy lol

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Imran

Jul 17, 2012 02:23pm

Due to the economic crisis in Europe, so many Europeans are now moving to Middle East region. Don't they have a right to do that? Or is this a one way thing?

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Imran

Jul 17, 2012 02:16pm

You have made me LMAO today :D

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Javaid

Jul 17, 2012 06:13am

The issue here is hypocrisy. Indians by all accounts hate Muslim culture and countries but love to move there!. Why not move to Hindu countries where your religion is practiced?
(oh wait, unfortunately the only Hindu country in the world is Nepal, & its worst-off than India itself.... Guess its ok for Indians to be hypocrites by calling muslims bad things, but still working in millions in Gulf countries).

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Javaid

Jul 17, 2012 06:28am

I think its foolish of you to say that "Scientific and technically educated people" & people with "higher education in the field of high-Tech subjects" are the one's who are "high" paid. Pakistanis are high paid with their medical, business, engineering, communication as-well-as their Artistic Degrees. We have produced one of the best Artists like singers, painters, actors (ahem Dramas), architects, journalists in the World, so its very naive of you to compare "non-scientific" & "non-technical" people with being low paid & hence undeserving of migrating to another country or for them to take their spouse along with them.
Even our illiterate (politicians?) are "high paid" (i.e corrupt) & take foreign nationalities for themselves & their spouses. Can anyone ban them?

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Javiad

Jul 17, 2012 06:36am

The British call their country the "United Kingdom", not the "Christian Republic of Britannia". Its a country made by their non-Christian ancestors. it has many atheists, hindus, buddhists & others. So your question about Muslims settling down in a Christian country... is not justified.

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Chaudhry

Jul 17, 2012 03:30pm

Funny in my own country Pakistan I cannot call myself Muslim. In uk I am a Muslim . Most Pakistanies in uk are ungrateful they should thank Allah and the uk govnt that they are here.. Love for all and hatred for none.

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Sofie

Jul 17, 2012 07:31am

Because the Muslim countries dont treat their Muslim brothers with eqaulity and in the west the Muslims have all the rights and the freedom to do what they want.

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Asif

Jul 17, 2012 08:40am

It is the fundamental right for anyone to choose its home wherever he/she wants. If Britishers can go live in UAE, Malaysia, Singapore etc. (that's of course for earning and for better living), then why can't the Pakistani's move for a better living? 2nd, if I am not mistaken INDIAN’s are the biggest minority in the UK after the White British, so it’s not only the Pakistani's but the Indian’s desperate to move to UK as well.

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Salim Badurani

Jul 17, 2012 09:28am

We like to move to Western countries because they are not Islamic. We hope to convert them to Islam and make sure that all Western women will be fully covered up as they are in Saudi Arabia. Also all Western men should grow beards. Sooner or later a Muslim king will occupy Buckingham palace along with his four queens ( at a time) in burkhas. Islam will rule.

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Socrates

Jul 17, 2012 09:36am

Saudi Arabia practices Islamic apartheid. Non-Muslims cannot pray openly, cannot build their places of worship, cannot enter Mecca or Medina. Non-Saudi Muslims should boycott the Saudis by not doing the hajj till there is full freedom of Worship in Saudi Arabia. When Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was alive he had non-Muslim relatives. One was a Christian uncle. He let them practice their faith. Why dont Muslims follow their prophet? Muslims spend 10 billion, may be more on the hajj every year. The money ths saved should be used to build educational institutions for Muslim women. Remember when you educate a man the man gets educated. When you educate a woman the whole family gets educated. Also by education I am implying secular education that will be useful, not religious education.

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wah

Jul 17, 2012 08:20pm

i agree with you on some extend. Education should be universal. Secular as well as religious. Society should be tolerant and respectful towards others.You are right,muslims should follow there prophet in spirit and in practice

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wah

Jul 17, 2012 08:22pm

Vikas. i join you in the laughter

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Imran

Jul 17, 2012 10:25pm

Pakistan has over 175 million people. The ones who hate the west dont move there. The majority love the West and always try to move over there. Simple as that.

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Imran

Jul 17, 2012 10:34pm

Oh yaar get over the partition bit. Its been too long.

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khalifa

Jul 18, 2012 06:20am

we have given enough freedom and money to live like humans to british come and see in middle east how much they are earning and here living in dreams...in londn they cant even wear proper clothes and here they are driving best cars, and availing best fcailties they cant even dream in UK or europe ask your self how many times you wanna come and earn...